In
the early hours of the evening, the doors of the Fountain Palace had been drawn
open to allow the guests to spill inside. Once again it was time for the Hapes
Consortiums annual Marauders’ Masquerade, and the necessary preparations had
been made. A soft melody of jazz played throughout the halls, humming softly along
with the chatter of staff and guests alike. Wreaths of assorted flowers could
be located within each of the rooms, while wine and food was readily available for
those desiring it.

Tonight
was a night of promise; love, romance, laughter, joy, it would be filled with
each. The possibilities were endless, and the night ready to be seized by those bold enough. It would
be an evening to remember. At the doors any weaponry was confiscated, as was a
condition of entry. It was here at the grand entryway, among the imbecilely
dressed security team, where Fel’da Blaze Ston stood, waiting and ever watchful.

Jarr was one of the first to arrive, not holding to the time-honored tradition of being fashionably late. Dressed in a simple tuxedo with a silver tie, and an elegant mask, the assassin was neither a bold statement nor an underdressed party-goer. After having undergone the weapons check (one blaster pistol, confiscated as per regulation with a promise that it would be returned upon departure) Jarr made his way into the entrance of the castle. It wasn't hard for the hunter to identify the figure of prominence within the room (it was, after all, one of the tools of his trade), and so he found himself making his way over to the man. The assassin was a polite guest, and knew how to behave himself in company that was of the same attribute.

"Sir," he said, somewhat quietly, while bending slightly at the waist. "Jarr. Your castle is quite the view," he introduced himself, making the mandatory small talk. If the assassin was being honest with himself, he wasn't quite sure why he had decided to attend the party. This was not his particular venue, and the hunter would much sooner be drinking away the night at some sleazy bar. And yet some small figment of his mind had told him to be here, as if maybe something he had been searching for would suddenly be revealed at the party. Now, Jarr was not usually a man who trusted his gut; he was more likely to weigh the odds, check the numbers, and make a logical decision from there when dealing with any situation. This, however, had been a small concession to make. It was not a life-threatening decision, and so Jarr, for once in his life, chose to trust in his feelings instead of his mind. It was still to be seen if the decision would pay off, but for the moment he would try to enjoy himself.

This
was wrong. Savannah could feel it in her bones – she shouldn’t
have been here. This soiree was not her kind of scene. She was a woman who
preferred violence, and blood, and aggression. Not events were such thing had
been blacklisted. But that was not the worst of her concerns. She felt exposed
and vulnerable without her armour, and without her weapons. She felt like a
target for anyone whom stared too long. Even the mask obscuring her features
did nothing to calm her nerves.

The
tattoos inked into her flesh were distinguishable. Only a select few had seen
them, but one might recognize something. And to top it off she had invited
Castor, which was something she had not thought she would do in a thousand years. Each
time she saw him the urge to assault him was almost too much to resist. The
night, she decided, was doomed to end in disaster.

Currently
the woman was outside, lingering by the entrance to the maze garden where she
could observe those coming and going without them coming too close. Before long
she had grown bored with watching, and turned to disappear into the maze.
Castor would find her if he chose to come. That she knew for certain.

Kerrick made his way toward the party, more than a little excited to get all dressed up, and be pretty. Though he found the idea of a mask counter productive to his manly good looks. But he never the less carried a simple two toned mask in his pocket. Of course as impeccably dressed and groomed as he was, the mask would go a ways to hide the cuts and bruises he carried from the 'preperation episode that had happened a few hours ago. Luckily it didn't make him any less ruggedly handsome, In his opinon.

As was sometimes nessesary, he and his brother had gotten into something of a brawl before coming. Pace didn't want to go, And Kerrick insisted. No one told Pace what to do, And Kerrick was an As.shole. So they'd ended up giving eachother a few marks. Kerrick hadn't skipped a beat, though, he acted as if things were just peachy. Mostly because he'd won in the sense that his anti social brother was in embittered tow. Clearly he had no faith that his brother could go to something like this without causing an issue. Which was why he was the smart one, because Kerrick couldn't.

He turned back to his brother gushing excitedly, animated as always. "Isn't this great?" He laughed slapping his hands together. "Pretty girls in dresses, alcohol, and lavishness. How could you NOT be happy about this?" He asked looking at Pace. His smile faded. "Right I almost forgot that you don't have a personality." He shot as they grew closer. Once inside, the usual search was conducted. In which Pace actually helped because, lets face it, he knew his brother.

Once inside Kerricks grin grew. This was going to be a fun night one way or another. He leaned over and spoke to Pace in alow voice. "Try to enjoy yourself Bro, How many chances do guys like us get to go out like this?" by guys like us, he meant those from their particular neck of the galaxy. Slipping on his mask he turned to his brother. "Well?" He asked putting his arms out for some kind of word of approval from his brother. He was the only one Kerrick seemed to turn to for things like that, and when around him it was the only time he ever asked how he looked.

Rivulets of raven bounced along the back and shoulders in thin curls with every stride made toward one of the balconies. The night illuminated with soft life - it was never dark here. Everything had been beautiful, much to her pleasure and disgust. Stars in the sky were not the same as the ones she looked upon from Dathomir. To her they seemed not as vibrant.

The banister of the balcony was cool to the touch, welcoming digits had coiled tighter to the stone. Heather hues looked out into the distance behind the intricate mask, the garden maze lingering there. Thoughts were wild in their imagination of what an evening of posh company could bring, who would grace their presence amongst the soiree. Vanity had decided to linger amongst the balcony a bit longer. No one would be waiting for her, at least she had not assumed, and that made her more content to bask in the starlight and watch the on-goings down below.

A masquerade, this was not something that Kira was accustomed to coming to. Usually it'd be her parents and she'd be at home with her brother and the 'sitter'. Now that she was finally old enough to enjoy the spoils of a gala like this, it'd be silly not to take the opportunity to enjoy it. Keiran wasn't going so that was a plus and neither were her parents. Add another plus to that.

It was on Hapes, a world she'd never laid a foot on, and would basically be winging it going alone. She picked a green doozy of a dress along with a black eye mask that had the tiniest bit of glitter on it, which didn't stop some of the glitter to sticking to her face. S.hit. After the ride from Naboo, she was tuckered out already. But, once she got off her ship and was escorted by hired car to where the venue was, the tiredness shrugged off as excitement began to grow.

Would she meet someone, anyone? If she didn't she could always use the time to watch people and work on her skills, even though that was a little bit not on her mind. When she walked in, her eyes opened so wide. I've never encountered beauty like this before. The place was decorated and masterfully crafted for the event.

Quickly, she found herself a seat, the bar wasn't her area of a hangout like some. Someone had offered her champagne and who would she be to turn it down. Taking a sip, it had a sweet yet bitter taste, one she could become accustomed to. Now it was time to watch the others as they walked the floor or danced. This kind of experience was just so foreign to her.

Pace followed his brother sourly. No he didn't want to be there. Did he have to be. yes. Why? Because he had to keep his brother out of trouble. He wasn't much for dressing up, and was welcoming the idea of a mask to hide his face. Not that he had a reputation to keep up or anything. His brother had been bouncing around since he'd finally agreed to go. Though now slightly beat up after their scuffle.

As his brother rambled on, he gave him a flat look. His eyes narrowed some as he was insulted, but he continued to stalk toward the door. After the search was conducted he took a breath and looked at his brother. Who he knew dispite all his arrogance was waiting for his brothers approval. His bitterness melted away at his brother waiting and he gave a reluctant sigh and softened some.

"You look like a rock rat in a suit." He said simply, refurring to something they'd been called as kids. But in it's own dark way it was a compliment. Then gave him a small smile. "Go on now, have fun. But try not to get into much trouble." He said knowing in the next few hours he'd be wrangling him anyway. But Kerrick was young, and full of life. He himself couldn't help be cold and bitter, and he couldn't expect his brother to join him in misery. Once his brother had dashed away he gave a sigh and started searching for a quiet place to be. Slipping on his own mask.

Behind newfound annonimity he relaxed as he made his way through the people. Finally making his way for a balcony where he was certain he'd be alone. At least until the screaming and chaos started. Walking over to the edge he leaned on his forearms and looked down at the people entering. He gave a little sigh and hung his head. Was it over yet?

Giving his brother a bit of a grin he dashed off into the party. First stop THE BAAAAR!! He was going to try and be proper tonight he decided. The occasion called for it. Leaning on the bar he chatted to the barkeep before getting a stiff drink and taking it like a shot. Yeah not as proper as he should have been. He looked about the room behind him. There might be people he knew here and wouldn't even know. That was exciting.

As he made his panoramic search he fell on a girl sitting at the bar, sipping on champagne. The night was still young and it was early for anyone to be coupling up. But.. RED HAIR. He could at least plant some seeds of possibility.

He watched her and smiled, as he looked her over. Then standing and straitening up like all the other proper folk he made his way over to her. Scanning for a date. He wasn't seeing one.. nor did he care if she had one.

"Good evening Miss, do you mind if I join you?" He asked, snickering in his head at the silliness of being proper. But oh how much fun to pretend to be someone else.

What am I doing... a constant thought that scream into the back of the Pal'da's mind had been existent since the moment the invitation was delivered. Like clockwork, the masquerade had come. Year after year, it was a mixed reception and one more often than not of loneliness. So desperate had he been to continue the facade of a happy marriage that he had suffered due to how devoted he was to Minerva and the alliance it fostered between Coven and Consortium. Those days of a union which held on the promise that forever would never be long enough had eventually come to an end.

Much to his dismay, and rather vocal protests, had the young prince been put on display by the Chume'da. A few individuals had frightened or insulted him, be it intentional or not, and it left him more downtrodden than before. One person of the very few had ensnared his interest, but to what level had yet to be revealed. Much of him wanted to explore this avenue, but he remembered all too well the implications of his brother and the other Fel'da Ston's relationship.

Dane waited for the arrival of a certain male: Braiden Sky. As each individual passed, he smiled or greeted them, after all he enjoyed people for the most part. Closing his eyes behind the mask he wore, he drew in a long deep breath. What was the worst that could happen...

Donner was a bouncing bundle of
excitement as she went racing past the weapons check point. Even if the security
staff had thought a child capable of smuggling a weapon inside, she moved much
too quickly for them to halt her. This
was the child’s first time attending the Marauders’ Masquerade, and any event
of this scale, which was evident from the way she frantically looked about.

Everyone
looked so pretty and dapper in the suits and dresses, and there were so many
people bustling about with trays of food and drinks. Donner wasn’t sure what to
do or where to start, but she had boundless energy and all night. With a giggle
she took off running, weaving in and out from between people and quickly
becoming lost in the growing crowd.

A gentleman actually came her way, he seemed familiar. The voice was definitely recognizable. But this was meant to be a masked ball. She smiled as she had an idea to who it were. Red hair for her is usually a dead giveaway, but she was overjoyed he was there, at least she hoped it was him.

"Not at all, take a seat please." She looked him up and down again. The beach. That did nothing but bring a huge smile to her face. "So, waiting for your date? To answer another question you might have is, no, I don't have one. It's the first time I've been to something like this, I wanted to be able to experience it for myself. Also, I've never been on this planet before and I rather like it." Okay, it was time for her to stop her rambling and to let him get a word in edgewise.

"Then I said, when I asked about the cow, I meant your wife!" A wave of laughing emanated from a group that was gathered around drinking and in the middle of the chuckling guests was one man. With a roguish smile and the curl of his finger, he motioned for a hostess to come there way. "He got raving mad. I couldn't tell you way," he remarked with a chuckle just as the young women had come there way. "Lass, how about you bring a drink for me and all my friends here, eh. Rum. The good kind." He gave her a wink which caused the female to swoon as she agreed to his request. Lestat was amused as he always was by the reception: he loved women and they certainly loved him.

Turning back to the crowd, the Devilish One cocked his arm on the shoulder of a nearby male. "Where was I? Ah, yes. I remember." Lestat laughed to himself with the shake of his head. "Speaking of the cow, here she comes thundering through the grass. I was thinking - this is it, this is it... I'm going to die." Laughter rose loudly again as the pirate continued the story of one of the many adventures of he and his crew.

Rue made her way gracefully into the venue, a bright smile beaming from behind her mask. She was more than a little excited to be dressed up fancy again. Remembering the days of lavishness and parties. Though she was always too young to go. Now it was HER time. Her hair was tied up in curls and flowers. She felt beautiful and only hoped she looked as nice as she thought.

She stood there gazing out into the room, letting out a sigh of excitement. This wasn't a night of shots and bar partying, this was her kind of part. As she floated through the room she was offered champagne and happily took it. Just by the way she held the glass gave away her rich girl past. She'd come alone tonight, which was fine and yet sad at the same time. She enjoyed male company. But maybe she'd luck out tonight. After all, everyone had said this was the most romantic party out there.

As she made her way through she passed a group laughing heartily, and glanced over offering a bit of a warm smile to anyone that caught her looking. they seemed to be having a great time. And their entertainer was, very attractive. She could sense he was a bad boy. She liked that in a guy. But she wasn't going to inturrupt. There were many men there. And most likely they had dates. But she would hunt for the singles.

She was a romantic young woman, wanting love and devotion. But the demanding schedual of training didn't allot her much time to socialize. So tonight she was going to to so like there was no tomorrow.

"Excuse me." She said in a silky voice as she made her way past one of the men.

Heels clicked softly against
the polished floors as Anika strode across the room. Pastel pink fabric
flicked about her bronzed legs, and a delicate mask rested upon her face. She needed this; a night out. No books, no
parents, only two siblings, and a chance to let loose and have fun. Of course
she was going to be keeping a close eye on her sisters regardless. Abra and
Kadabra were a handful, and were known for causing trouble. But Anika was
hopeful that they would attempt to behave as she had no interest in playing
the babysitter tonight.

Glancing at the bar it was
decided that was not the place for her. She tended to over indulge in alcohol
despite being very much underage. Instead she made her way to the dancefloor,
where she cruised between the see of bodies, and found herself moving to
the beat of the music. She had never been one for dancing, but it was something
to keep her thoughts from wondering to a man no longer in her life, so she
would indulge and enjoy the melody.

From afar a pair of silver eyes watched the huntress' intended prey. Every move made was noted, nothing missed her gaze. A man, violently handsome and cruelly intelligent, was a beast that was desired and she would have him. As the game begun, slow feline-like strides had been made up through the grand entryway; to the security team they knew who the woman behind the mask had been. Naturally, so would the prey. The way her body moved, the scent of her perfume, there was no denying her identity to the object of her obsession.

Confidently walking near the Fel'da, her body teased against his, her fingers ghosting to his. "Excuse me, sir," she whispered close to his ear. Evony enjoyed this little game, the wanting and stolen touches, the flirtations that could bring her blood to a boil and her body to a shiver. Blaze was a man that was beneath her skin, a poison to her soul, her true addiction. She loved him more than words could paint a vocal picture and since they day they met her heart had always belonged to the man.

After giving another round of
instructions, Blaze turned to the gentlemen who had spoken. He offered him a
smile, and a slight bow. “Thank
you. Though, this is not my Palace. It belongs to the Arceneau family.”
Though he was mated to a Pelin’a of Hapes, he had no true claim to the Fountain
Palace or a title of royalty. This was fine, and he held no resentment over the
fact. Blaze was content having Evony in his life, and having a wonderful family
with her.

As he was speaking the man, he
had felt her eyes sliding over his form. It had only been a matter of time
before the woman located him, as he had not been attempting to hide from her. When
Evony had made her arrival, and moved so close to him, he found himself
enthralled by her. The touching of fingers and nudging of bodies enticing a
soft growl from him. Blaze linked his fingers with hers, and offered Jarr another
smile. “I’m sorry, you will need
to excuse me. Please enjoy the festivities.”

Blaze led her from the
entrance, keeping her close to his side as though he were afraid of losing her
to the crowd. His inner beast yearned to have her against him, to slip his
fingers between the clasps of her dress and taste the flesh beneath. She was
his torment, and he could not get enough of her. "Cara mia, you look ravishing. But
then you always do.” He said, leaning close to brush his lips
against her gently. No matter her appearance she was the embodiment of perfect,
and he would worship her.

Kerrick gave the redhead a beam and took a seat. Her voice was familiar, and that hair... He knew it had to be no other. What were the chances?

"No Shi.t, Kira?" He asked reaching over to lift her mask a little and peek under. He couldn't have been more happy for her to be the one he just happened to come join. He laughed. "Nah, I don't think Brothers count. Got a chaperone but that's about it." He said with a sly grin. "Now how is that even possible?" He asked. "You're one of the best looking girl's I've met, and I've met alot." He purred leaning on the bar some and gazing at her.

"Actually kinda seems a shame to be covering that pretty face of yours." He looked around. "Yeah, it's my first fancy shindig too. Not bad though right?" He said standing up and showing his suit off. "At least for some guy from the outer rim." He said with a grin. He let his eyes slip over her, lustfully. "Pretty sure I just found it." He said, about fun.

"And you... look Amazing." He said as he looked her over and raised a hand ordering a drink. "You look killer in that dress girl.So heres to whatever the evening brings."

Priya walked silently beside her master, an older man 25 years her senior. She'd been with him since she was a child, sold to him as a slave, concubine and all around pet. He greatly enjoyed parading her about for others to covet and envy. It had become her normal, to be something decorated and showed of. But her master was a possesive man, who didn't allow her to go anywhere by herself if sh ew as allowed out at all. Naturally something like a ball was something she would be brought to.

She wore a lovely ornate gown and headdreass with a golden mask, which matched the dainty collar around her neck which she would never see off, without her master unlocking it with the key he wore around his neck. A constant reminder, mocking her with her freedom. Something she knew she would never see. She pulled aside her headdreass with a dainty hand, painted with ornate designs, one was clad in golden chains.

As they entered, her master, a man of high esteem began to make his rounds greeting those of importance, while she trailed behind silently. Her grey blue eyes staring longingly into space. Slowly she raised her gaze to scan the room. It was beautiful, like a dream. The colors, the masks. It made her smile slightly.

"Priya, go find a spot to sit, I'll be along." She was told as her master dismissed her.

This wasn't uncommon, after she'd been showed off, she was sent away, because he didn't like people looking at her. Wanting her for themselves. She knew he wanted her to find a quiet corner in a quiet empty room or hallway to wait for him. She was not to speak to anyone, or interact in anyway. His rage terrified her, and she dare not be caught breaking his many rules. She knew he would not 'be along' any time soon. He would drink with his friends, and then in the wee hours of the morning he'd come for her, and she would have to do as she did every night.

The idea made her sick though she should have been used to it by now. With a graceful bow of her head she slipped from his side and began her journy across the party. Briefly glancing up and making eye contact with a man entertaining a group of laughing people. She quickly looked away, heart pounding. She prayed he didn't see her look at him. She glanced over her shoulder, her master was busy and hadn't seen. With a relieved sigh she turned back to quickly get out of the room if she could.

Nevaeh was admiring the ice sculptures that had been carved for such an occasion. They depicted the beauty of Hapes and the majesty of the night. Many had twinkling lights frozen inside. The woman wandered through the sculptures, with a smile on her masked face. They were very pretty and the lights illuminated her pale skin, making her feel as if she were under moonlight. Tonight promised to be a fun and entertaining evening all around.

"Of course." Jarr nodded knowingly. His host clearly had other... matters to attend to, and the assassin was more than willing to sample the wide range of alcohol that appeared to be available to the group. In fact, at a party of such high breeding such as this, the assassin assumed that the alcohol would be up to the same standards, and he was more than happy to liberate the bar of such a high quality product.

Jarr approached the barkeep and motioned for him to come closer. "Alright, buddy. Throw me some of the good stuff. Good and strong," he ordered, sitting down on one of the padded stools and leaning back. Taking a sip of the drink the man brought him, Jarr surveyed the room. He didn't immediately recognize anyone, but as the night progressed he was sure he would notice a few familiar faces... or, in the case of this masquerade, figures. It did make him chuckle a bit, thinking that it was almost socially acceptable to try to identify someone by their body at an event like this. Key word there being almost.

A blush came upon her face as his hand lifted up her mask a little bit. "I'd be a bit disturbed if your brother were your date. Quite uncommon, y'know." She rolled her eyes a small bit of the comment about her not having a date. "I don't have the best social skills, I'm actually a bit shy. You caught me on an off day. It must have been the heat and the sun." There was just a sense of calm when she talked and joked around with him. It was rather nice to have that kind of a bond with someone like that.

"Oh you and your Outer Rim talk, even then you were probably the best of the bunch." Now it was onto her dress, "amazing? This old thing?" As she pointed to the dress and giggled. "No, really I don't usually wear dresses like this or go to social gatherings."

The drinks he ordered came by and hers was different than before. She picked it up and looked at it a bit, then took a drink. "Oh force, oh force," as it burned down her throat. "What in the heck is that? It was like swallowing a flaming sword!" Yeah, Kira really didn't have the drinking thing down yet.